Page 221 of 456

220 Controls in detailDriving systemsActive Body Control (ABC)
The ABC system automatically selects the
optimum suspension tuning and ride
height for your vehicle.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:
your driving style
road surface conditions
the vehicle loading
your choice of suspension style
You can set following suspension style:
Regular (convenience)
SportyThe ABC button with the indicator lamps is
located on the upper part of the front cen-
ter console.
1ABC button
2Indicator lamp
Start the engine (
page 48).
Suspension for sporty driving style
The setting for sporty driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is illuminated.
Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.The message:
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
ABC
SPORTSappears in the multifunction display for
a short time.
Suspension for regular driving style
The setting for regular driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is off.
Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
The message:ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
ABC
CONVENIENCEappears in the multifunction display for
a short time.
iThe selected setting is stored, even if
the engine is turned off.
Page 284 of 456

283 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and
purchase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.
Important guidelines
Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.
Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.
Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.
If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as
required.
Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).
When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:
The wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged.
The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use Genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Page 397 of 456

396 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with SmartKey in starter switch
turned to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 87) and the automatic central
locking (
page 162).
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1). Otherwise, the ESP
® will immedi-
ately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the selector lever must
be in positionN and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Page 399 of 456

398 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on right side of front bumper
2Cover on right side of rear bumperRemoving cover
Press mark on cover in the direction of
arrow.
Lift cover off to reveal the threaded
hole for the towing eye bolt.
Installing towing eye bolt
Take towing eye bolt and wheel wrench
out of trunk (
page 370).
Screw towing eye bolt clockwise into
its stop and tighten with wheel wrench.
Removing towing eye bolt
Loosen towing eye bolt counterclock-
wise with wheel wrench.
Unscrew towing eye bolt.
Store towing eye bolt and wheel
wrench in trunk.
Installing cover
Fit cover and snap into place.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
page 35) in
position2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(
page 87).
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 162).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.
Page 434 of 456

433 Index
A
ABC 220, 427
Messages in display 339
Setting vehicle level 221
Suspension tuning 220
ABS 80, 427
Indicator lamp 328
Messages in display 341
Accelerator position, Automatic
transmission 169
Accessory weight 309
Accident 56
Active Body Control see ABC
Additional turn signals
Replacing bulbs 379
Air bags 63
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 74, 427
Children 64
Front 67
Safety guidelines 66
Side impact 67
Window curtain 68
Air cleaner see Air filter
Air conditioning refrigerant 419, 420Air conditioning system see Automatic cli-
mate control
Air conditioning, Cooling 193
Air distribution 188
Air filter
Message in display 341
Air recirculation mode 190
Air vents 185, 196
Air volume 189
Alarm system see Anti-theft alarm system
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 370,
389, 427
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 423, 424
Antiglare, Rear view mirror 178
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft alarm systems
Indicator lamp 86
Anti-theft systems 85
Anti-theft alarm system 85
Immobilizer 85
Tow-away alarm 87
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 232, 233
Ashtrays 237
Aspect ratio 309AUDIO menu 142
Audio system
CD changer operating mode 145
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirror 178
Automatic central locking, Control
system 110, 162
Automatic climate control 184
Air conditioning refrigerant 420
Air conditioning, Cooling 193
Air distribution 188
Air recirculation mode 190
Air vents 185, 196
Air volume 189
Charcoal filter 191
Control panel 185
Deactivating system 187
Defogging 188
Defrosting 189
MAXCOOL maximum cooling 189
Rear window defroster 193
Residual engine heat and ventilation
(REST) 194
Setting the temperature 187
Automatic headlamp mode 126
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 131